in addition to skin disease

SANTO DOMINGO, RD/DIARIO DE SALUD.- Although psoriasis is a disease whose main manifestations occur on the skin, it extends much further. It is a chronic, inflammatory, non-contagious disease that can begin at any age and affects millions of people worldwide.

Psoriatic disease is accompanied by concomitant diseases that deserve close attention and have a significant impact on the quality of life, mental health, economic and emotional stability of patients.

Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease that causes skin cells to turn over at an accelerated rate, causing scaly plaques and red patches that are itchy and sometimes painful. Most types of psoriasis occur in flare-ups that can last for weeks or months and may subside or disappear with proper treatment. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, it can be controlled and a normal life can be maintained.

Systemic inflammation extending beyond the skin.

Psoriasis can appear at any time, but most often occurs between the ages of 15 and 35. Factors such as stress, certain infections, and certain medications often trigger rashes in people with a genetic predisposition.

Psoriasis is caused by a disorder of the immune system that causes widespread inflammation throughout the body. This causes damage to other organs and areas of the body, including the nails, palms and soles of the feet, scalp, and skeletal system (including the spine and joints).

Psoriasis can also lead to serious problems such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. This, in addition to mental health problems arising from stigma and high emotional stress, causes many patients to become isolated and even absent from work, causing episodes of anxiety and depression.

According to a National Institutes of Health publication, 48% of patients report problems sleeping, 36% have problems using their hands, 35% have a lack of energy for social activities, and 29% report problems with sexual activity. Similarly, patients with lesions of the palms of the feet experience pain when walking or standing.

Psoriasis is a serious disease that often does not receive due attention. It is a systemic, chronic and autoimmune disease with high economic, social and emotional costs.

This requires a multidisciplinary approach, an individualized treatment plan, and the patient’s commitment to adherence to therapy and attendance at follow-up appointments. “This also requires the attention of health systems, as it is known that interruption of treatment can have serious consequences for the health of patients, which also deprives them of the opportunity to live a normal life.” This was stated by Dr. Alina Hernandez.

Psoriatic arthritis affects 4 out of 10 psoriasis patients.

Both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can start at the same time. Even more rarely, psoriatic arthritis can exist on its own or before skin symptoms appear. Some of the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are: pain in joints such as ankles, knees or elbows; swollen, painful, or stiff joints; back pain near the spine; morning stiffness; swelling of all fingers and toes; pitted, crumbling or infected nails.

Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling and can cause severe and permanent joint damage if left untreated.

Who should I go to?

A dermatologist is a specialist appointed to diagnose and treat a disease. He or she will be able to create a treatment plan that meets individual needs, including relieving symptoms such as itching, improving the appearance of the skin, and making referrals to other specialists if necessary. Psoriasis, being a systemic disease, will require a multidisciplinary approach, which may include, but is not limited to, a rheumatologist to treat psoriatic arthritis if it occurs, as well as cardiovascular and mental health specialists.

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